The Podcast by KevinMD

Leah M. Howard, President and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation, dives into pressing health care reforms. She critiques the recent rise of direct-purchase drug programs, arguing that they can't substitute for systemic legislative change. Howard champions the Safe Step Act, emphasizing its potential to protect patients from expensive step therapy practices. The discussion highlights the need for transparent pharmacy benefit manager reforms and systemic solutions that prioritize patient health over corporate profits.

Samah Khan, a premedical student and author, highlights the global physician shortage and the impact of brain drain on vulnerable communities. She draws parallels between the medical exodus in Pakistan and California's Central Valley, revealing that low pay and inadequate infrastructure drive doctors away. Samah discusses the importance of local recruitment programs and community investment in healthcare. She emphasizes the need for systemic changes to retain talent, ensuring that patients receive timely care and that healthcare providers are anchored back to their communities.

We have a special sponsored episode from MagMutual. We welcome William Kanich. He's an emergency physician and currently the executive chairperson of MagMutual Insurance Company. We explore how physicians can navigate unexpected medical outcomes while preserving trust with their patients. Through Dr. Kanich's clinical and leadership experience, the conversation examines common challenges, practical approaches, and the role of structured support programs like the Preserve Program. The discussion also looks ahead to how the healthcare industry can continue evolving to better support physicians in maintaining strong patient relationships. VISIT SPONSOR → https://www.magmutual.com/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Health care executive Jason Griffin discusses his article "The digital divide in rural health care." Jason explains how rural providers in the U.S. face critical infrastructure failures and staffing shortages that threaten their ability to serve communities. He explores why standard one-size-fits-all technological solutions often fail these hospitals and advocates for a collaborative model that prioritizes long-term strategic partnerships over temporary fixes. The conversation highlights the economic importance of keeping rural facilities open and the urgent need to listen to local leaders to bridge the digital gap effectively. Join us to learn how we can build resilient systems that ensure equitable access for everyone. This episode is presented by Scholar Advising, a fee-only financial advising firm specializing in providing advice for DIY investors. If you want clear, actionable strategies and confidence that your financial decisions are built on objective advice without AUM fees or commissions, Scholar is designed for you. Physicians often navigate complex compensation structures, including W-2 income, 1099 work, production bonuses, and practice ownership. Scholar's highly credentialed advisors guide high-earners through decisions like optimizing investments for long-term tax efficiency and expert strategies for financial independence. Every recommendation is tailored to the financial realities physicians face. VISIT SPONSOR → https://scholaradvising.com/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Christina Johns, a pediatric emergency physician and health care executive, dives into the pressing issue of clinician burnout due to administrative overload. She advocates for harnessing AI to streamline documentation, allowing more time for meaningful patient interactions. Christina emphasizes the need for human oversight in AI tools and discusses practical applications like AI scribes and automated refills. She also stresses that technology should enhance, not replace, the human connection in medicine, urging clinicians to actively participate in product development.

Kenneth Rowe, an emergency physician and author of 'Prime, How to Win the Second Half,' delves into the unique challenges faced by midlife men. He discusses how many seek hormone tests when their struggles are rooted in identity loss rather than clinical issues. Kenneth critiques the medical system for missing vital psychosocial factors and the impact of a stoic culture on men's health. He emphasizes the importance of asking deeper questions and reframing midlife from a crisis to a journey toward purpose and fulfillment.

In this insightful discussion, Jessie Mahoney, a board-certified pediatrician and certified coach, delves into the profound impact of the 'eldest daughter syndrome' on physician burnout. She highlights how firstborn women are often conditioned to shoulder excessive responsibilities, leading to stress and resentment. Jessie connects these early roles to burnout in healthcare, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and setting boundaries. Practical steps for reclaiming balance are shared, making this conversation a crucial listen for those navigating the challenges of caregiving in medicine.

Bharat Desai, an internal medicine and pulmonary physician, dives into the shocking story behind Acthar Gel, a drug priced at $250,000. He reveals how pharmaceutical companies exploit regulatory loopholes, reclassifying an outdated product while monopolizing the market. Desai critiques the complicity of medical professionals accepting industry funding, promoting a drug with weak evidence over better alternatives like prednisone. The conversation urges a reevaluation of morality in pricing and the need for critical thinking in prescribing practices.

Certified coach and professor Kathleen Muldoon and co-founder of Ryan House and Children's Respite Homes of America Jonathan Cottor discuss the article "The need for pediatric respite care." Kathleen shares the personal story of raising her son Gideon who lives with over 42 medical diagnoses and explain why the family had to move across the country to find safety. They highlight the critical difference between taking a break and surviving the relentless cycle of 24/7 medical vigilance required for medically complex children. The conversation advocates for the expansion of pediatric respite homes in the U.S. while urging clinicians to recognize that caregiver well-being is inseparable from patient health. We must acknowledge that keeping a family together often depends on the support they receive outside the hospital walls. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Let's work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD → https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

In this engaging discussion, Kevin J. Campbell, an orthopedic surgeon and CEO of Stream, explores the pressing need for AI in healthcare. He highlights how the current medical system mirrors the outdated Yahoo model, causing delays that can harm patient care. Campbell advocates for AI-driven platforms to provide timely, physician-vetted responses, enhancing patient trust. He emphasizes the importance of shifting to automated systems to alleviate staff burnout while ensuring patients receive immediate and relevant healthcare guidance.